Community Action of Southern Kentucky’s Board of Directors and staff is celebrating an inaugural award that will be continued annually. On December 17, 2015, the Agency unveiled the first ever Dr. Donald C. Butler Award, which will be given to a community member that is a champion for Community Action of Southern Kentucky.

The first recipient of the Dr. Donald C. Butler Award is also its namesake. Dr. Donald C. Butler was the Executive Director of Community Action of Southern Kentucky for over 20 years. Since his retirement in 2006, his impact on the local community has never stopped. He continues to volunteer countless hours to assist the Agency with resource development and advocacy. He has collected countless donations for the Agency, along with donating out of his own pocket. Whether he is volunteering or advocating for those in poverty, he has always reminded everyone to look beyond the numbers and statistics.

“Can you see their faces?” ~ Dr. Donald C. Butler

“Dr. Butler has always reminded us to never forget that we are in the people business. The people we assist matter, our staff matter. We have a heart for people and we can make a difference Everyone deserves the opportunity to be safe, warm, fed, clothed, educated, healthy, and most of all to have hope. Dr. Butler has inspired hope in so many people and we are blessed to have him as a partner. It is our hope that his example will continue to inspire others to get involved,” said Tracy Haddix, Associate Director of Community Action of Southern Kentucky.

“It is no surprise that this award should be named after our first recipient Dr. Butler. He has been a wonderful partner for this Agency even after he retired. This award in his name will ensure that his legacy of community service lives on, not only for Community Action, but for the whole Barren River area,” shared Logan County Judge Executive Logan Chick, Board Chairman of Community Action of Southern Kentucky.

Each year the Agency will recognize a community member or organization who has a great impact on the community and Community Action of Southern Kentucky. The recipient will be someone that volunteers their time and resources to assist the Agency in fulfilling our mission and the Community Action Promise. The annual recipient of this award, like Dr. Donald C. Butler, helps change people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves our community, and makes America a better place to live. They are dedicated community partners, who assist Community Action of Southern Kentucky in empowering people to achieve stability and economic security.

“We honor and thank Dr. Butler for his continued advocacy and volunteerism for our agency. Advocates like him are essential to living out our mission to empower people in southern Kentucky to achieve stability and economic security. We encourage others to follow in his footsteps and join us as a volunteer or advocate,” said Melissa Weaver, CEO/Executive Director of Community Action of Southern Kentucky.

Community members, staff, board members may nominate anyone for this award. The nomination form will be available on our website in 2016.